Tgrammiex4

GysgtUSMC

Hopefully some people will read this and realize why it's so important to protect our rights under the Constitution. So many of our young men and women have died defending it. It's great to see a young American appreciate those sacrifices. Awesome letter!

Ritty77

MrShaman

"Hopefully some people will read this and realize why it's so important to protect our rights under the Constitution. So many of our young men and women have died defending it. It's great to see a young American appreciate those sacrifices." - GysgtUSMC

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...At least, until they start delving into the (actual) History behind "some" Wars...and, how ALL those Americans died, unnecessarily.

CarlHiller

Hilf, I actually agree with this, "...At least, until they start delving into the (actual) History behind "some" Wars...and, how ALL those Americans died, unnecessarily." If many would look into the last centuries and current military excursions they would find the entirely different reason for why America has gone on its imperial crusade.

wwhickok

I have had the pleasure of being to Washington D.C. several times. The last time was when I was in High School. The Social Studies Teachers got to pick something like a combined 5 students from our school to visit the Holocaust Museum. I was lucky enough to be one of them. I use the word lucky lightly, very lightly. If you've ever been there, you know why. When you're there, it all really hits you, the realism of it all, truly hits you right smack in the face. To see Train Cars, luggage, clothes, video's, torture devices, etc.. If you feel nothing there is something very wrong with you.

When it comes to the other areas of Washington D.C., the War Memorials, one of my most memorable trips to D.C. was when I visited The Wall.

It hits you in the chest like a ton of bricks to see all those names and realize that they've all died for you, for our country. Knowing it and truly seeing it in person are two completely different things.

wwhickok

MrShaman

"Shaman and Carl if all young men and women had your attitude we wouldn't have a military." - GysgtUSMC

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I'd always been told you former-Marines were so well-versed on Corps-history??!!!

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"I spent 33 years and 4 months in active service as a member of our country's most agile military force--the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from second lieutenant to Major General. And during that period I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism. I suspected I was part of a racket all the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all members of the military profession I never had an original thought until I left the service." - Major General Smedley D. Butler; USMC

MrShaman

"Shaman and Carl if all young men and women had your attitude we wouldn't have a military." - GysgtUSMC

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I'd always been told you former-Marines were so well-versed on Corps-history??!!!

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"I spent 33 years and 4 months in active service as a member of our country's most agile military force--the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from second lieutenant to Major General. And during that period I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism. I suspected I was part of a racket all the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all members of the military profession I never had an original thought until I left the service." - Major General Smedley D. Butler; USMC

spike2

MrShaman

"Mr. Shaman, only you could write something negative in response to a young man's letter.This young man's patriotism should be applauded, not degredated. Shame on you." - Tgrammiex4

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Yeah...we wouldn't want him to be TOO educated, now, would we?? After all...he's "only" 14-years-old...a year (younger) than I was...in '65...when I started wondering what I would do...when "Sam" called.

GysgtUSMC

So Shaman are you saying anyone that has served and are serving never had an original thought? You sum up all that have made the sacrifice from the words of one person? I can bet you never served a day in your life. The only thing you ever served was yourself.

GysgtUSMC

So Shaman, care to meet for a cup of coffee and discuss Marine Corps history? I can also "teach" you another Marine Corps trait; RESPECT. You're a coward and I picture you sitting there in your grungy boxer shorts at your computer banging away on your keyboard with that evil grin on your face.

CMReeder

After reading so many letters of how awful today's youth is, it is good to see that not all are. It is also a good reflection of this young man's parents as well. I agree it is good letter from one so young.

GysgtUSMC

CitizenQ

Very intelligent and well thought out letter, Benjamin. Thank you for sharing. I have no doubt that you are smart enough to read these posts and recognize the heart-felt appreciation for your words as well as know which ones to ignore as the ramblings of an old and bitter person who was never taught respect or common sense.

CMReeder

Members of the military are trained to follow the chain of command. There is very little room to think for yourself let alone take matters into your own hands. Before you even say it I did not serve but many in my family did.

How respectful are you of the military when you keep disrespecting the one in charge?

There are a lot of elected officials especially presidents that made decisions sending troops into harms way causing their deaths.

They are honored and eulogized for the sacrifice they had made and those who survived are also honored and aided in their transition to civilian life.

To silence dissent over military actions like going to war does not honor the sacrifices made nor does it protect rights.